The American Kennel Club (AKC) has concerns regarding the legal pragmatism of HB 6187. These include the potential for legal confusion about who will be ultimately responsible for making decisions impacting animals if an advocate participates in a case, and providing advocates akin to guardians ad litem that are traditionally used to protect the interests of minors and other people lacking legal capacity.

Minnesota Senate File 1325 seeks to modify the use of certain traps used in hunting, and would require the reporting of pets or companion animals found caught in traps. This bill does not outlaw trapping. Instead, it seeks to require traps be set in a safe manner to significantly reduce the likelihood that dogs used in hunting will not be injured or killed.

AKC thanks all those in Maryland who took the time to contact the committees! Thanks to their positive communications, both the House and Senate committees gave an "unfavorable report" meaning they will not likely advance this year.

Tomorrow, March 20, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., the Arkansas House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development is scheduled to consider an amended version of House Bill 1620 that would establish regulations, fees, inspections, and problematic requirements for dog breeders.